Steve Bruce has responded to fresh criticism in the aftermath of Newcastle United's 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
The Magpies slipped to 16th place in the Premier League and are facing a tough scrap to stay up this season.
Bruce responded to difficult questions, and said: "We are halfway.
"We have been stuck on 19 points for the past six games I think.
"We are in a difficult period but I have seen enough of the team to try and finish where we did last year or even above it.
"We are in the Premier League and we all know what it is. When we are on a run like we are you come under the pump as a result. I am not alone, there is a lot in that situation. It is the Premier League and it is how you handle it. I have been criticised for everything.
"I don't necessarily agree with it. We are not going to be entertaining and open because if we go that way I don't think we will have enough."
And reflecting on the game in general, Bruce, who brought back Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser, said: "Unfortunately we've gifted them a goal and after that it was difficult.
"There were large parts of it I was pleased about.
"Certainly the addition of Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser.
"I have seen enough to be encouraged.
"Yes we have to accept defeat but there was enough there to work on.
"That is always the difficult part of the Premier League and we understand that, we have found it difficult to score a goal but I was encouraged, especially when those two got on the pitch.
"I have seen enough in the squad, having them two back and then a couple more. we are not as injury ravaged.
"The big players in the team who can score and create a goal for us are getting back.
"We are not alone, there are other teams in difficult runs, it is how we handle it. We need to keep working hard and that is the only way you will change it"
